SHS grad in need of kidney transplant, seeking public's help

Thursday, August 7, 2025 at 12:23 PM

By Johnny McCrory

A 1984 Shelbyville High School graduate is in dire need of assistance.

James Lawson, Jr., 60, lives in Brazil, IN. He was still in high school in 1983 when at the age of 17 he underwent a kidney transplant.

Today, he again desperately needs a kidney.

His wife, Jennifer, told GIANT fm News that James has literally died twice in recent days while continuing to wait for a kidney from the donor list. Jennifer notes that there are programs to aid potential donors that can help compensate for missed wages or offer financial assistance for items such as health care, child care and transportation. She and James are anxiously hoping they can locate someone to donate a kidney as time may be running out waiting on the conventional donor list.

Jennifer also explained that a potential donor doesn’t necessarily have to be an exact match for James. A kidney donation can be ‘traded’ for another on the list to create compatibility and maintain the number of opportunities for people like James that are waiting.

Back to James’ Shelbyville days – he was a longtime employee at Linne’s Bakery.

The website to be a living donor is www.iuhealth.org/transplant .

If anyone wants more details, please text Jennifer at (317) 364-2688.